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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/14-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/46_1Co_14_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 14:27 - Orderly Worship" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/14-27.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/14-27.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 27</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:26">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 14:27 <a href="/1_corinthians/14-28.htm" title="1 Corinthians 14:28">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New International Version</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Living Translation</a> No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If anyone speaks with a tongue, let it be by two or the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">King James Bible</a> If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/14.htm">New King James Version</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, it must be by two or at the most three, and each one in turn, and one is to interpret; <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let one interpret; <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must translate; <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be limited to two or at the most three, and each one speaking in turn, and one must interpret [what is said]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, there are to be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and let someone interpret. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If any person speaks in another language, there should be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and someone must interpret. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret: <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> No more than two or three of you should speak unknown languages during the meeting. You must take turns, and someone should always be there to explain what you mean. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> If any man speaketh in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and that in turn; and let one interpret: <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If people speak in other languages, only two or three at the most should speak. They should do it one at a time, and someone must interpret what each person says. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> If someone is going to speak in strange tongues, two or three at the most should speak, one after the other, and someone else must explain what is being said. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> If anyone speaks in a foreign language, only two or three at the most should do so, one at a time, and somebody must interpret. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/14.htm">NET Bible</a> If someone speaks in a tongue, it should be two, or at the most three, one after the other, and someone must interpret. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If anyone speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If any man speaketh in an unknown language, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If there is speaking in an unknown tongue, only two or at the most three should speak, and they should do so one at a time, and one should interpret;<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, two, or at most three, should speak in turn, and someone must interpret. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/14.htm">World English Bible</a> If any man speaks in another language, let there be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> if anyone speaks an [unknown] tongue, by two, or at the most, by three, and in turn, and let one interpret; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If anyone speaks with a tongue, let it be by two or the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> if an unknown tongue any one do speak, by two, or at the most, by three, and in turn, and let one interpret; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Whether any speak in a tongue, by two, or the most by three, and in part; and let one interpret.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If any speak with a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and in course, and let one interpret. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If anyone is speaking in tongues, let there be only two, or at most three, and then in turn, and let someone interpret. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/14.htm">New American Bible</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be two or at most three, and each in turn, and one should interpret. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn; and let one interpret.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And if any man should speak in an unknown tongue, let two or at most three speak, and speak one by one; and let one interpret. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/14.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And if any speak in languages, let two speak, or as many as three, and let each one speak and let one translate.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/14.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> If any speak in an unknown tongue, let two, or, at most, three, speak at each meeting, and in succession: and let one interpret. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> If one speaks with a tongue, let it he by twos, or at most by threes, and separately; and let one interpret; <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/14.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and one after another; and let one interpret. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/14.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and if any man do speak in an unknown tongue, let but two speak, or three at the most, and that by turns: and let there be but one to interpret. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/14.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If there is speaking in an unknown tongue, only two or at the most three should speak, and they should do so one at a time, and one should interpret; <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> If any one speaks in a tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and in turn; and let one interpret; <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/14.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And if any one speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at most by three, and that by turns; and let one interpret. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=3135" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/14.htm">Orderly Worship</a> 26What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church. 27<a href="/greek/1535.htm" title="1535: Eite (Conj) -- And if, whether. From ei and te; if too.">If</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">speaks</a> <a href="/greek/1100.htm" title="1100: glōssē (N-DFS) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">in a tongue,</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-AMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two,</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">at</a> <a href="/greek/4118.htm" title="4118: pleiston (Adj-ANS-S) -- The greatest, the most, very great. Irregular superlative of polus; the largest number or very large.">most</a> <a href="/greek/5140.htm" title="5140: treis (Adj-AMP) -- Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; three.">three,</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">should speak</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/303.htm" title="303: ana (Prep) -- A primary preposition and adverb; properly, up; but used severally, or at.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3313.htm" title="3313: meros (N-ANS) -- A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share.">turn,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">someone</a> <a href="/greek/1329.htm" title="1329: diermēneuetō (V-PMA-3S) -- To translate, interpret, explain. From dia and hermeneuo; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate.">must interpret.</a> 28But if there is no interpreter, he should remain silent in the church and speak only to himself and God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Acts 2:4</a> And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. <a href="/acts/10-46.htm">Acts 10:46</a> For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Acts 19:6</a> And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-10.htm">1 Corinthians 12:10</a> to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28-30</a> And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. / Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? / Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? <a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1</a> If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">Romans 12:6-8</a> We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; / if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; / if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11</a> And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-19.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:19-21</a> Do not extinguish the Spirit. / Do not treat prophecies with contempt, / but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. <a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. <a href="/numbers/11-25.htm">Numbers 11:25-29</a> Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again. / Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. / A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” ... <a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18-22</a> I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name. / But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” ... <a href="/2_kings/2-9.htm">2 Kings 2:9</a> After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. <a href="/isaiah/28-11.htm">Isaiah 28:11-12</a> Indeed, with mocking lips and foreign tongues, He will speak to this people / to whom He has said: “This is the place of rest, let the weary rest; this is the place of repose.” But they would not listen. <a href="/isaiah/32-4.htm">Isaiah 32:4</a> The mind of the rash will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will speak clearly and fluently.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Course</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">Interpret</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">Language</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm">Separately</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-24.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-23.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-13.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-23.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-21.htm">Unknown</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">Course</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-28.htm">Interpret</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-18.htm">Language</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-21.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-17.htm">Separately</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-30.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-28.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-28.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-29.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">Time</a> <a href="/philippians/2-11.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-31.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm">Unknown</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">Use</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 14</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-1.htm">Prophecy is commended,</a> 2. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-2.htm">and preferred before speaking in tongues,</a> 6. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-6.htm">by a comparison drawn from musical instruments.</a> 12. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Both must be referred to edification,</a> 22. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-22.htm">as to their true and proper end.</a> 26. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">The true use of each is taught,</a> 27. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">and the abuse rebuked.</a> 34. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-34.htm">Women in the churches.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If anyone speaks in a tongue The practice of speaking in tongues, or glossolalia, was a spiritual gift present in the early church, as seen in <a href="/acts/2.htm">Acts 2</a> during Pentecost. This gift was often a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and was used for edification when interpreted. In the Corinthian church, there was a tendency for disorderly worship, and Paul addresses this to ensure that spiritual gifts are used properly and beneficially.two, or at most three Paul sets a limit on the number of people who should speak in tongues during a gathering. This reflects a concern for order and clarity in worship, aligning with the principle that God is not a God of confusion but of peace (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">1 Corinthians 14:33</a>). The limitation ensures that the congregation can follow and benefit from what is being said, preventing chaos and maintaining focus on edification.should speak in turn This instruction emphasizes orderly worship. In the cultural context of Corinth, public speaking and rhetoric were highly valued, and there was a risk of individuals speaking over one another to display their spiritual prowess. Paul insists on taking turns to maintain decorum and respect within the assembly, ensuring that each message can be heard and understood.and someone must interpret Interpretation is crucial for the edification of the church. Without interpretation, speaking in tongues would not benefit the congregation, as the message would remain unintelligible. This requirement aligns with the broader biblical principle that spiritual gifts are given for the common good (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-7.htm">1 Corinthians 12:7</a>). The need for interpretation also underscores the importance of understanding and clarity in worship, reflecting the nature of God’s communication with His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding orderly worship practices. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> A diverse and spiritually gifted congregation facing issues of disorder and confusion in worship. 3. <a href="/topical/s/speaking_in_tongues.htm">Speaking in Tongues</a> A spiritual gift involving speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, intended for edification when interpreted. 4. <a href="/topical/i/interpreter.htm">Interpreter</a> An individual with the spiritual gift to interpret the message spoken in tongues for the edification of the church. 5. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its cultural diversity and moral challenges, influencing the church's dynamics.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/order_in_worship.htm">Order in Worship</a> Paul emphasizes the importance of order in worship services to ensure that all things are done for edification. This principle can be applied to modern church services by ensuring that spiritual gifts are exercised in a way that builds up the congregation. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_interpretation.htm">Role of Interpretation</a> The necessity of interpretation when tongues are spoken highlights the importance of understanding and clarity in worship. This teaches us to seek understanding in all spiritual matters and to value clear communication within the church. <a href="/topical/l/limitations_for_edification.htm">Limitations for Edification</a> By limiting the number of people speaking in tongues to two or three, Paul underscores the need for balance and focus in worship. This can be applied by ensuring that church services are structured to maximize edification and minimize confusion. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_gifts_and_community.htm">Spiritual Gifts and Community</a> The use of spiritual gifts, including tongues and interpretation, should always aim to benefit the community of believers. This encourages us to consider how our gifts can serve others and contribute to the unity and growth of the church. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_and_order.htm">Discernment and Order</a> The instruction for orderly worship calls for discernment in the exercise of spiritual gifts. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit to maintain order and peace in worship settings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 14</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_lord's_prayer's_meaning.htm">Is speaking in tongues required for Christian salvation?</a> <a href="/q/why_interpret_tongues.htm">What is the purpose of interpreting tongues?</a> <a href="/q/is_speaking_in_tongues_linguistic_or_psychological.htm">1 Corinthians 12:10 – Does the practice of speaking in tongues have any verifiable linguistic basis, or is it purely psychological? </a> <a href="/q/what_is_glossolalia.htm">What is glossolalia?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(27) If any man speak in an unknown tongue.--Better, If any man speak in a tongue. Here is the practical application of the general rule just laid down to the exercise of the gift of tongues. Those who had that gift were not all to speak together, and so cause confusion; only two, or at the most three, were to speak in each assembly, and each of such group was to speak in turn, one at a time. There was to be with each group one who had the gift of interpretation, and he was to interpret to the listeners.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 27. - And that by course; rather, and that in turn. He does not allow more than one glossolalist to speak at a time, and not more than three at the most in any one service. This rule alone tended to extinguish the disorderly exhibition of" tongues." To control the passion which leads to it is, sooner or later, to stop the manifestation - a result which St. Paul would probably have been the last to regret, when its purpose had been accomplished. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If Εἴτε (Eite) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1535.htm">Strong's 1535: </a> And if, whether. From ei and te; if too. anyone τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. speaks λαλεῖ (lalei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. in a tongue, γλώσσῃ (glōssē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> The tongue; by implication, a language. two, δύο (dyo) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. [at] τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. most πλεῖστον (pleiston) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Superlative <a href="/greek/strongs_4118.htm">Strong's 4118: </a> The greatest, the most, very great. Irregular superlative of polus; the largest number or very large. three, τρεῖς (treis) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5140.htm">Strong's 5140: </a> Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'. [should speak] κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). in ἀνὰ (ana) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_303.htm">Strong's 303: </a> A primary preposition and adverb; properly, up; but used severally, or at. turn, μέρος (meros) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3313.htm">Strong's 3313: </a> A part, portion, share. From an obsolete but more primary form of meiromai; a division or share. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. someone εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. must interpret. διερμηνευέτω (diermēneuetō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1329.htm">Strong's 1329: </a> To translate, interpret, explain. From dia and hermeneuo; to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">1 Corinthians 14:27 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-27.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speaks in another language (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 14:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 14:28" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>